OIST Tour for Members of Public
Guided Campus Tour
(reservation only)
This is a 45-minute campus tour guided by OIST staff. The tour offers an introduction to parts of the research facilities, architectural design, and the university’s international research environment.
Schedule:
- Tour Days: Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding national holidays and the New Year holiday)
Tours may not be available during the busy season. - Time: 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM (approximately 45 minutes)
- Capacity: Up to 15 participants
- Reservation: Advance booking required (via web form by 1 week before the desired date)
- Tour Route: Tunnel Gallery, Center Court, Skywalk, Laboratory Buildings, and more
If the number of participants exceeds 15, we kindly ask that you either split the group across different days or reduce the group size accordingly. Alternatively, some members may join a self-guided tour.
Please note that the guided tour group is comprised of multiple parties and late arrivals will be directed to an unguided tour with no exceptions. Thank you for your understanding.
Self-Guided Tour
(no reservation required)
You are welcome to explore the OIST campus at your own pace.
- Reception Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except during the New Year holidays [December 29 to January 3]) 17:00
- Reservation: Not required. Please complete the admission procedure at the reception.
- Accessible Areas: The self-guided tour does not include access to the research buildings.
For groups wishing to take a self-guided tour
If your group for a self-guided tour exceeds 15 people, please contact the Outreach Section in advance.The maximum number of participants accepted at one time is 40. For larger groups, please split into multiple groups and visit at different times.
Group Visits for Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students
You can view the program details for each grade level and the application procedures on the following pages.
For those interested in a business visit to OIST
If you are from a university, research institution, or government agency and would like a detailed briefing about OIST, please apply from here.
Please note that depending on the nature of the visit, we may ask you to adjust the schedule or provide additional information. Also, depending on our schedule, we may not be able to accommodate your visit. Thank you for your understanding.
Rules and Guidelines for Campus Visits
1. Restrictions on Participation
No visitor under the age of 13 without adult supervision.No visitors under the influence of alcohol or behaving in a manner that the institute considers inappropriate for the tour.
2. Café and Restaurant
Please note that the café and restaurant are very crowded during the lunch break. We ask for your cooperation in staggering the time, using the terrace seating and benches in the Center Court etc. Please check the opening hours here.
3. Theft and Accidents
OIST accepts no responsibility for incidents of theft or injury that occur inside the facilities or in neighboring areas such as parking. Visitors accept responsibility for their possessions and safety.
4. Damage to the Facilities
At the discretion of the institute, OIST may require reparation for damage to facilities, equipment, etc. caused by visitors.
5. Request for Infectious Disease Prevention
We ask that you cancel the visit if you have cold symptoms. Please take the following basic measures(wear a mask, wash hands and disinfect fingers) against infectious diseases.
Contact：Outreach Section
Tel 098-966-2184 | Email visit-us@oist.jp
You can also learn about OIST from this YouTube video.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
▼ About campus tours
Q1．Where can I go on a self-guided tour?
You can view the tunnel gallery, center court, and the skywalk.
You can only view inside the laboratory buildings on the staff-guided tour.
Q2．What time can I go on a tour?
Self-guided tours are open 9:00AM – 5:00PM everyday excluding New Years’ Holiday (12/29 – 1/3). Staff-guided tours are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30PM – 2:15PM (reservation necessary).
Q3．What if I want to come with a large group?
If the number of participants in your group exceeds 15, please contact the Outreach Section (max. capacity: 40 people).
Q4．Can I participate in a self-guided tour on a whim?
Yes, you can participate in a self-guided tour without reservation. But please complete admission procedures at the front desk before going on the tour.
Q5．I’d like someone to show me around.
The only tour during which a staff member will guide you around campus is the staff-guided tour (capacity: 20 people, reservation required).
Q6．Is there a place to rest and/or eat on campus?
The café on campus is open to the public. However, it will be very crowded between 12:00PM – 1:00PM. Please consider visiting at a different time or using the outdoor seating at the center court. Please note that reservations are not accepted at either the restaurant or the café.
▶ Shops and Restaurants | OIST
Q7．Can I come to OIST by car?
Yes, there is a parking lot for visitors and large buses can also be accommodated.
▶ Parking | OIST
Q8．Can I talk to researchers directly?
Direct questions to researchers are not possible during regular tours; however, there are opportunities to interact with them at public lectures and events.
For more details, please visit the following website:
▶Upcoming Events | OIST
▼ About OIST
Q1．Where is OIST located?
OIST is located in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture. It is about a one-hour drive from Naha Airport.
▶ Access | OIST
Q2．How many students, faculty members, and research units does OIST have?
For more details, please see here.
▶Facts and Figures | OIST
Q3．What fields of research are conducted at OIST?
Research at OIST is highly interdisciplinary, with no traditional departments. Research units often cover multiple fields and approaches.
You can search for OIST researchers and their research areas on the Research Units page of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). Please make use of this resource.
Q4. I’m interested in applying. What should I do?
For more information, please visit here.
▶Admissions | Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST